Entry & Exit Formalities

Entering Italy from most other parts of the EU is generally uncomplicated, with no border checkpoints and no customs thanks to the Schengen Agreement. Document and customs checks apply if arriving from (or departing to) a non-Schengen country.

Customs Regulations

On leaving the EU, non-EU citizens can reclaim value-added tax (IVA) on any purchases over €154.94. For more information, see www.italia.it/en/useful-info/rights-for-tourists/customs.html.

Duty Free Allowances

Entering Italy from a non-EU country you can bring in the following duty-free.

spirits & liqueurs

1L

wine

4L (or 2L of fortified wine)

cigarettes

200

other goods

up to a value of €300/430 (travelling by land/sea)

Passports

EU and Swiss citizens can travel to Italy with a national identity card. All other nationalities must have a valid passport and may be required to fill out a landing card (at airports).

By law you are supposed to carry your passport or an ID card with you at all times in Italy.

You'll need to present an ID card/passport when you check in at a hotel/B&B etc.

In theory there are no passport checks at land crossings from neighbouring countries, but random controls do occasionally take place.

Visas

Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days (or at all by EU nationals). Some nationalities will need a Schengen visa.

More Information

Italy is one of the 26 European countries making up the Schengen area. There are no customs controls when travelling between Schengen countries, so the visa rules that apply to Italy apply to all Schengen countries.

EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy.

Nationals of some other countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Nationals of other countries will need a Schengen tourist visa – to check requirements see www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa.

All non-EU and non-Schengen nationals entering Italy for more than 90 days or for any reason other than tourism (such as study or work) may need a specific visa. Check http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it for details.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Italy.

Electronic Authorisation

In July 2018, the European Parliament approved plans for an electronic vetting system for travellers to the Schengen area.

Under the terms of the European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS), all non-EU travellers will have to fill in an online form and pay a €7 fee before they can travel to a Schengen country.

The system is set to come into force in 2021.

For further details, see www.etiaseurope.eu.

Permesso di Soggiorno

A permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay, also referred to as a residence permit) is required by all non-EU nationals who stay in Italy longer than three months. In theory, you should apply for one within eight days of arriving in Italy.

EU citizens do not require a permesso di soggiorno, but are required to register with the local registry office (Ufficio Anagrafe) if they stay for more than three months.

Check exact requirements on www.poliziadistato.it – click on the English tab and then follow the links.

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